Criminal Justice Program

Credit: James E. Shuck

Working at the Prisoners Resource Center

Begun in 1975, the Criminal Justice Program works through four discrete projects to insure the protection of prisoners' rights, the successful reentry to society by ex-prisoners, and the choice of productive options for youth. It increases public awareness of the causes of crime and the costs of the current penal system to society.

The Prison Watch Project monitors human rights concerns, violations, and abuses of prisoners in the U.S. federal and state prison system, with a regional focus on New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. A special emphasis is maintained on the inappropriate use of isolation and devices of torture. Staff advocate resolution of the complaints through appropriate channels and report abuses to national and international monitoring groups. Staff speak widely on prison issues and provide technical assistance to students, media and authors.

The Prisoners Resource Center annually assists 600-800 soon-to be released prisoners, ex-prisoners, and members of prisoners' families access emergency needs, prepare for employment and education, and secure emotional counseling. Staff and volunteers include ex-prisoners who have first-hand experience with the obstacles to positive reintegration.Their stories are told in Coming Home (pdf).